Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Berkeley, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Berkeley are Southside, Northbrae, and Claremont. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Berkeley, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of May 2, 2025, the average rent in Berkeley is $2,292, which is 2.6% higher than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.
Southside
Average Rent
$1,948/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
40.4%
TransitScore® Rating
58/100
Units Available
9 Rentals
Southside is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Southside is $1,948 while the city average is $2,292. This is a 40.4% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve, Acheson Commons, and Willard Park. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 78.
Northbrae
Average Rent
$2,350/Month
TransitScore® Rating
50/100
Units Available
1 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Berkeley neighborhood on a budget, check out Northbrae. The average rent is $2,350, compared to the city average of $2,292. Northbrae is convenient to Live Oak Park, UC Berkeley, and Indian Rock Park. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 90.
Claremont
Average Rent
$2,400/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.5%
TransitScore® Rating
48/100
Units Available
1 Rentals
Claremont is an affordable neighborhood in Berkeley with an average rent price of $2,400. Compare this to the city average of $2,292. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.5%. Claremont provides easy access to Metro Oakland International, Samuel Merritt University, and San Francisco International. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 85.
Elmwood
Average Rent
$2,401/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2%
TransitScore® Rating
60/100
Units Available
31 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Berkeley, Elmwood might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,401, while the city’s average stands at $2,292. In the last year, prices have increased by 2%. Elmwood is near Ashby Station, Macarthur Station, and University and Jepson Herbaria.
South Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,480/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.8%
TransitScore® Rating
65/100
Units Available
201 Rentals
South Berkeley is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in South Berkeley is $2,480 while the city average is $2,292. This is a 0.8% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to People's Park, Berkeley City College, and Samuel Merritt University. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 93.
Aquatic Park
Average Rent
$2,655/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
10%
TransitScore® Rating
54/100
Units Available
19 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Berkeley neighborhood on a budget, check out Aquatic Park. The average rent is $2,655, compared to the city average of $2,292. Rent prices have decreased by 10%. Aquatic Park is convenient to Powell Street Plaza, Macarthur Station, and The Public Market. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 86.
Berkeley Hills
Average Rent
$2,775/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.5%
TransitScore® Rating
49/100
Units Available
2 Rentals
Berkeley Hills is an affordable neighborhood in Berkeley with an average rent price of $2,775. Compare this to the city average of $2,292. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.5%. Berkeley Hills provides easy access to Ashby Station, Samuel Merritt University, and Lincoln University, Oakland. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 60.
Southwest Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,845/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.5%
TransitScore® Rating
58/100
Units Available
83 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Berkeley, Southwest Berkeley might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,845, while the city’s average stands at $2,292. In the last year, prices have increased by 4.5%. Southwest Berkeley is near UC Berkeley, Macarthur Station, and Metro Oakland International.
Northwest Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,873/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.8%
TransitScore® Rating
60/100
Units Available
68 Rentals
Northwest Berkeley is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Northwest Berkeley is $2,873 while the city average is $2,292. This is a -1.8% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Lincoln University, Oakland, Samuel Merritt University, and Metro Oakland International. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 92.
Downtown Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,936/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.1%
TransitScore® Rating
71/100
Units Available
290 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Berkeley neighborhood on a budget, check out Downtown Berkeley. The average rent is $2,936, compared to the city average of $2,292. Rent prices have increased by 2.1%. Downtown Berkeley is convenient to UC Berkeley Museum of Paleontology, Gilman Village, and Lincoln University, Oakland. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 97.
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Methodology
Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.
We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.